The Life of a Christian

The Life of a Christian

I recently came across a post that stated, and I quote:

“Oyibo people know that there is no power in the name of Jesus to heal. This is why they invest in healthcare. It is only in Africa that we turn to religion because of poverty and lack of sophisticated healthcare. Being a fervent Christian, born again, churchgoer, tither, prayer warrior, kingdom investor, etc., won’t exempt you or save you from calamities that are common to all men. Believer or unbeliever, we are all in the same boat in this world.”

I have been working on a write-up along these lines for some time, and this statement compelled me to respond—point by point—to the understanding expressed by the writer. My response is shaped by my understanding of the Bible, the teachings of my pastor, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome, the guidance of the ministry leaders who have shaped my faith journey, my personal experiences, and the testimonies of many great Christians I have heard and witnessed firsthand.

Everyone has the freedom to express opinions, but truth remains truth—regardless of who accepts it.

On “Oyibo people know there is no power in the name of Jesus to heal”

This statement is incorrect.

There are countless “Oyibo” people who firmly believe in and testify to the healing power in the name of Jesus. Across nations, cultures, and races, countless people believe in—and testify to—this power. Healthcare itself is not anti-biblical. In fact, the Bible records the existence and work of physicians, and it is God who gives wisdom, innovation, and ideas that advance medicine and improve human communities.

As previously heard from my man of God, there are certain prayers you no longer need to pray once you have the means to resolve a situation. For example, A person standing at a bus stop may pray earnestly for the rain to stop, while another person prays for rain because of their farmland. But once you own a car, that particular prayer point becomes irrelevant to you.

This brings me to the claim that “it is only in Africa that we turn to religion because of poverty and lack of sophisticated healthcare.” God has been faithful to many who had no financial means or access to advanced healthcare, yet understood that God is a present help when human systems reach their limits. Many have been healed and delivered from terrible illnesses through faith when medicine offered no answers—regardless of wealth, nationality, or access—people inevitably seek answers beyond human ability. This is why miracles are universal. There is a saying: If you need a miracle, you will seek one.

The truth is that many who speak negatively about the miraculous power of God currently have things working well for them and feel they have no need for a miracle. What they often overlook is that some of them are beneficiaries of the sacrifices, prayers, and faith of parents or ancestors who lived wholeheartedly for God—men and women who sowed seeds, labored in God’s vineyard, and stood in faith.

The Bible says our labor of love will not be in vain. God continues to fulfill His promises, blessing generations after those faithful ones. Yet some of these beneficiaries now feel enlightened, superior, and immune to deception, while unknowingly enjoying fruits they did not plant. This ignorance often leads to blasphemy—not necessarily by malice, but by lack of understanding.

This is not new. The children of Israel experienced God’s blessings for the sake of their fathers, yet some of them repeatedly turned against Him. Critics of the gospel have existed since Bible times.

On “We are all in the same boat”

In one sense, this statement is correct—we are all in the same vehicle of life. However, our responses, authorities, and realities differ.

Christianity is not a religion. It is the life of God in human flesh.

When a person is born again, it is not a behavioral adjustment—it is spiritual. The bible says you are a new creation- The human spirit is recreated, while the physical body remains the same. Just as a newborn baby begins with milk and gradually grows to solid food, so is the life of a Christian. After receiving Jesus Christ as Lord, a christian must feed on the Word of God and engage in spiritual exercises to grow and live successfully. Without growth, Christianity becomes religious performance—effective for a while, but unsustainable. True Christian living is maintained through knowledge of God’s Word, spiritual consciousness, and understanding of identity in Christ.

I am aware of some individuals from underdeveloped nations who trusted God for some new opportunity, migrated to developed countries, became comfortable, and then turned against their roots—claiming superiority, dismissing Christianity as a myth. What changed? Not God—but their understanding. When identity is not established in the Word, environment easily redefines belief.

Life Is Spiritual

We live within the system of the world—the physical realm—but there is also a spiritual realm. Both operate by laws and principles, and the spiritual governs the physical whether one believes it or not.

God has allowed certain natural laws to govern the physical world, and humans operate within them. However, to overcome a law, a higher law must be activated—and this operates according to the revelation of God’s Word given to us, as well as His will and purpose for our lives.

Faith in the Midst of Calamity

Yes, challenges are common to all men, but Christians refuse to bow to them. My man of God often reminds us, “Welcome challenges; they are bread for us.” We do not deny their existence, nor do we fight physically. We respond with God’s Word, operating in the fight of faith - “Faith is not the denial of facts, but denying facts the power to control your life.”

Two people may face the same challenge—lack, illness, or trouble. One may respond with fear, distress, or depression. The Christian may respond with calmness, singing praises, speaking in tongues, attending church services/fellowship, giving tithes, making open declarations, sowing seeds, and giving thanks in the midst of the challenges. This is not pretense or self-deception—it is our walk with the Holyghost and that of faith that produces undeniable results for many of us. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and we choose joy regardless of circumstances.

Even when outcomes appear delayed or misunderstood, we remain steadfast in faith, because faith is anchored in the integrity of God’s Word. You may have witnessed situations where it seemed to you that a Christian has failed despite prayer and fasting, and you may have used such moments to question God’s existence or even mock them. God does not force human choices. People may refuse to be instruments of help, but a Christian can activate a higher law through understanding and faith. Your definition of life and success does not determine ours. We are winners, always! But here is a truth about this unique breed called Christians: "All things work together for good for those who love God."

Personal Responsibility and Final Thoughts

We live by the doctrines of Scripture, it is our belief and we chose to obey the instructions that comes with it. My pastor has helped me know God personally. He constantly reminds us that salvation is personal and that we must study the Word for ourselves. These truths have sustained me.

I remember him saying years ago:

“You may have been born into a poor family. No one may have sponsored you or helped you in life. But now that you are hearing this Word, whatever you become from today is your responsibility.”

From that moment, I chose responsibility over blame. When overwhelmed, I return to the Word and intensify my spiritual exercises rather than creating noise or excuses.

To know our Lord Jesus Christ is to live a continuously victorious life—not by the world’s definition of success, but by becoming a witness, an influence, and a blessing wherever you go.

It is in our doctrine to sit under the ministry of men and women God has anointed to lead us. We pray for them, recognizing the sacrifices, battles, disappointments, and faith they endure behind the scenes. While the world often sees only their victories and some critics focus on finding faults, we recognize and honour them as our heroes—trophies of God’s grace, mentors, teachers, coaches, and spiritual parents in our journey of life.

So let it be clearly understood that we are not naïve, brainwashed, or lacking in knowledge. It is a conscious choice to enjoy this journey of life, insisting that we remain positive, joyful, focused, and victorious—regardless of what may be happening in the same boat we all share in this world.

By incorporating these principles, you can cultivate a home that nurtures growth, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment. Remember, the change starts with you.